Following an exceptional 2023-24 season that culminated in her unprecedented fourth Crystal Globe as the overall World Cup ski cross champion, Marielle Thompson of Whistler, B.C. has returned home alongside her accomplished teammates to celebrate their collective achievements and initiate a significant new fundraising campaign. Thompson's fourth Crystal Globe achievement places her in a tie for the most FIS season titles ever recorded, further cementing her status as one of Canada's most decorated winter sports athletes. Her remarkable career now includes 31 World Cup victories, 67 podium finishes, and both Olympic gold and silver medals, establishing her as a dominant force in international ski cross competition.
The Canadian ski cross team's success extended beyond individual accomplishments, as the squad secured its third consecutive Nations Cup title this season and its seventh championship in the last nine years. This sustained excellence demonstrates Canada's ongoing dominance in the sport at the international level. Thompson expressed her pride in representing Canada globally and sharing this celebratory moment with teammates who contributed to such an outstanding season. The celebration brought together multiple elite athletes including world championship medalist Cameron Alexander, two-time Crystal Globe winner Reece Howden, and Paralympic multi-medalists Alexis Guimond and Mollie Jepsen, showcasing the depth of talent within Canada's ski racing program.
The assembled athletes helped launch the 'Driven to Win' fundraising campaign, a collaborative effort organized by Alpine Canada and BC Alpine that features a grand prize 2024 Porsche Cayenne AWD valued at $126,000. The initiative represents a significant investment in the future of Canadian ski racing, with proceeds designated to support alpine ski racing programs throughout British Columbia. Therese Brisson, CEO of Alpine Canada, emphasized that the funds generated will provide crucial support across the development pathway, from grassroots community clubs to the national team level. This financial backing will play an essential role in cultivating the next generation of ski racing talent within the province, ensuring Canada maintains its competitive edge in international competition for years to come.
The combination of Thompson's individual milestone and the team's collective success, coupled with the launch of this substantial fundraising effort, represents a pivotal moment for Canadian ski racing. The sustained excellence demonstrated by the national team, particularly in ski cross where Canada has established itself as a world leader, provides inspiration for aspiring athletes while validating the development systems currently in place. The timing of this celebration and fundraising launch capitalizes on the momentum generated by another successful competitive season, leveraging athlete achievements to generate support for future talent development. This strategic approach ensures that current success translates into long-term sustainability for Canada's ski racing programs, maintaining the country's position as a powerhouse in winter sports.
